Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Anchorage - Fairbanks - Big Island - Maui Island - Hawaii - Alaska
100% customisable for you
Grab your swimsuits, sunglasses and an extra layer, because your fire-and-ice adventure begins today. After speeding through airport security and relaxing in the lounge, wave goodbye to the UK from the heights of your ten-hour flight to Seattle. Once you’ve landed, you’ll soon be back in the air as you board a three-and-a-half-hour flight to Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city and gateway to the wilderness.
On arrival, grab your bags and transfer to your cosy hotel, where you can finally switch off after a long day of travel. Depending on when you land, you might take a gentle stroll in search of fresh air and dinner, or simply sink into bed and let tomorrow’s adventures wait. Either way, your first night in Alaska is all about recharging – the wild begins in earnest in the morning.
As the largest city in America’s biggest state (seriously), Anchorage offers a range of larger-than-life adventures. Begin by dipping into a section of the Moose Loop, a 32-mile trail network cleverly shaped like a moose’s head. Walk, run or cycle whichever stretch takes your fancy, keeping one eye on the scenery and the other out for the real thing.
Later, swap trainers for a seat on a guided trolley tour. It’s an easygoing way to soak up the city’s history, culture and scenery, brought to life by a local narrator with a tale or two to tell.
Come evening, it’s time to eat like an Alaskan. Your Concierge can point you towards one of the city’s finest restaurants, where menus are heavy on king crab, halibut and wild salmon – a delicious introduction to the flavours of the north.
Today, your Alaskan road trip truly begins. Collect your hire car and set north for Fairbanks, Alaska’s second-largest city, on a scenic drive of around six hours. Spruce forests, snow-tipped peaks and the occasional moose sighting provide the backdrop as you cruise along Alaska’s epic highways. Your car will be equipped with built-in GPS so you can focus on the views rather than navigation (and avoid any passenger-seat mutiny).
After rolling into Fairbanks, check into your hotel perched on the banks of the Chena River. Freshen up, stretch your legs and then head out into town for your first taste of Fairbanks’ dining scene.
Come snow or shine, today is all about getting under the skin of Alaska’s northern wilderness. If you fancy a peaceful start, try your hand at fishing in one of the region’s glassy lakes or rivers, where salmon, trout and Arctic grayling are often the catch of the day. Prefer culture to casting? The Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center offers a thoughtful introduction to Alaska’s indigenous communities through engaging exhibits and local storytelling.
Later in the day, wander the town at your own pace, popping into coffee shops, galleries or riverside spots along the Chena. In summer, Fairbanks famously forgets what ‘night’ means – between May and July, the Midnight Sun delivers more than 70 straight days of round-the-clock sunshine, keeping skies bright and spirits high well into the early hours. Just don’t forget to check your watch before heading out for dinner…
Buckle up and set the satnav north for Denali National Park and Preserve, a stunning six-million-acre stretch of wilderness around two hours from Fairbank. Keep your eyes peeled as you drive – this is prime wildlife territory, and it’s not unusual to spot moose at the roadside, or even caribou and bears further afield.
Arrive at your cosy cabin overlooking the park and take a moment to drink it all in. Once you’ve unpacked, settle into the lodge bar for a well-earned tipple, then choose whether to relax by the fire, explore the property, or stand slack-jawed on the viewing deck as you watch the light fade over the Alaska Range. Dinner is best enjoyed on site, with hearty Alaskan fare and a front-row seat to one of the wildest landscapes in North America.
Today is all about venturing deep into Denali National Park’s wild heart. Set off on a full day guided tour that winds through boreal forest, across wide-open tundra and alongside the braided channels of the Toklat River, all framed by the towering Mount McKinley, the highest mountain peak in North America.
Take in the beautiful views of the Murie Plains from Polychrome Pass, then spot the Alaska Range on the horizon as you cross the Toklat River Bridge. Keep your camera within easy reach – bighorn sheep, moose, caribou, wolves, birds of prey and even grizzly bears are all potential co-stars in today’s adventure.
In the evening, return to your cabin for a well-earned dinner, swapping stories over warming Alaskan cuisine while the wilderness settles around you.
Denali isn’t just for wildlife watching – it also knows how to get the heart racing. Today, swap hiking boots for a life jacket and set out on a whitewater rafting adventure along the Nenana River. Splash through churning rapids and glacial waters on this 11-mile journey, with towering mountains and forests framing the route. An expert guide will be on hand to steer you safely through the twists, turns and splash-heavy moments, leaving you free to focus on the scenery (and perhaps who’s getting the wettest).
After around three hours on the river, you’ll head back to your cabin to warm up, wind down and toast your final evening in Denali.
Fill up on a hearty breakfast and hit the road as you trace your steps south back to Anchorage. The drive takes around five hours, but this is Alaska, after all, so consider it a scenic slideshow rather than a slog. Stop whenever the mood (or a particularly photogenic mountain) strikes, for leg-stretches and coffee refuels.
Back in the city, check into your hotel overlooking Lake Hood. Spend your final evening browsing downtown and enjoying one last seafood supper before tomorrow's switch from glaciers to golden shores.
Ease into the morning with a coffee by Lake Hood, watching floatplanes skim the water at the world’s busiest seaplane base. Then it’s bags packed and eyes set firmly on the tropics as you return your hire car and head for the airport.
Six hours later, you’ll step off the plane in Honolulu, the state’s capital on the island of Oahu. Transfer to your beachfront resort on Waikiki, check in and feel the sand between your toes for the first time. If timing allows, wander down to the beach and watch the sky turn peach and gold as the sun sinks into the Pacific. If not, there’s always tomorrow.
Whether you’re craving culture, adventure or relaxation, Honolulu has it all. Start your morning early with a hike up Diamond Head to catch panoramic views over the city and Pacific (before the midday heat hits). For R&R without the crowds of Waikiki Beach, take a dip in the saltwater Duke Paoa Kahanamoku Lagoon, located inside the Hilton Hawaiian Village.
To learn about Hawaiian history, wander through Iolani Palace, the only official royal residence in the United States, and immerse yourself in the state’s fascinating monarchy past. After a busy day exploring, head back to your hotel for a beachside dinner, toasting the sunset with a cocktail in hand and soaking up the magic of your first full day in paradise.
Time to trade one island paradise for another. Board a quick one-hour flight from Honolulu to Kona on Big Island, where your second hire car awaits. Hit the road for the short drive to Waikoloa, a laid-back beach resort famous for its long stretches of soft white sand.
Dump your bags before kicking back and relaxing at your oceanfront hotel, complete with a saltwater lagoon and lush tropical gardens.
Today is all about taking it slow and soaking up the island vibes. Lounge on Waikoloa’s white-sand beaches, dip in turquoise waters, or simply top up your tan. It's the perfect opportunity to take things easy, as you won’t want to be exhausted for this evening’s underwater activity – a once-in-a-lifetime swim with giant manta rays in their nocturnal habitat.
As the sun sets, set off by boat into offshore waters before jumping in to join the gentle giants as they feed on microscopic plankton. Follow your guides through the manta habitat and witness the enchanting ‘manta rave’, where bright lights attract these magnificent creatures.
Spend your day the Waikoloa way and enjoy pristine beaches like Anaeho'omalu Beach (A-Bay), or delve into ancient Hawaiian culture at sites like Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site. Golf enthusiasts can tee off at world-class courses such as the Waikoloa Beach Golf Course, while water enthusiasts can partake in snorkelling, diving or kayaking adventures.
There are shopping and dining opportunities galore at Kings' Shops and Queens' Marketplace, where upscale boutiques and delicious Hawaiian cuisine await. As the sun dips below the horizon, unwind on a sunset cruise, taking in the glittering coastline after stretching your legs along hiking trails like the Waikoloa Petroglyph Reserve Trail.
Set your satnavs to the south of Big Island, as today you’re off to Volcanoes National Park. Home to two active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa (the largest active volcano in the world), the park boasts a landscape like no other.
Kick off your full day in Volcanoes National Park at the Kilauea Visitor Center, where you’ll get the lowdown on the park's geology, history and ongoing volcanic activity – a handy briefing before you dive into the dramatic landscapes ahead.
Then, take a scenic drive along Crater Rim Drive, stopping at viewpoints like Jaggar Museum to witness the steaming Halema'uma'u Crater. Lace up your hiking shoes for a gentle trek through the lush rainforest to Thurston Lava Tube, an otherworldly cavern carved by ancient lava flows. Next, venture along the Chain of Craters Road, where rugged volcanic vistas unfold at every turn. Be sure to catch the sunset at the end of the road, where you can witness the glowing lava flow meeting the ocean.
Finally, end your day with a stargazing session at Jaggar Museum or one of the park's other viewing spots, marvelling at a night sky as dramatic as the volcanic terrain below.
Rise and shine for a travel day filled with a hint of adventure. Begin with a scenic 30-mile drive north to Hilo, where you’ll drop off your hire car and board a quick 40-minute flight to Kahului on Maui Island.
Once you land, collect the third hire car of your holiday and begin the 20-minute drive to Kihei, a pretty town perched on Maui’s shimmering shores and the perfect place to relax after a long day. Check into your hotel, kick off your shoes, and soak in the ocean views from your balcony or beachfront terrace.
This morning, enjoy a brisk hike through Maui's lush rainforest to discover two spectacular waterfalls. Cool off and take a well-deserved dip in the natural pools surrounded by the beauty of the rainforest. Feeling adventurous? Safely leap from the rock formations into the crystal-clear waters below (don’t forget to snap the perfect mid-air photo). Afterwards, take some time to linger by the waterfalls, enjoying the peaceful setting before returning to Kihei to relax, recharge and prepare for more Hawaiian adventures.
It’s your last full day in Hawaii, and there’s not a second to waste. Wake up with a morning stroll along the golden sands of Kamaole Beach Park III, ideal for swimming, snorkelling or simply soaking up the sun. Then, head to Kalama Beach Park to explore its scenic shoreline and try your hand at paddleboarding or kayaking. Refuel with a fresh beachside lunch, sampling local seafood or classic Hawaiian dishes.
In the afternoon, take a leisurely walk along the Kihei Coastal Path, taking in sweeping ocean views and the gentle trade winds.
As evening falls, raise a glass over dinner at a local restaurant, savouring the island's flavours and reflecting on your unforgettable 18-day adventure through Alaska and Hawaii.
It’s time to say aloha to Hawaii, leaving with a suitcase full of memories and perhaps a little sand in your shoes. Retrace your steps (or tyre tracks) to Kahului, return your hire car, and board the five-and-a-half-hour flight to Los Angeles, before hopping on your ten-hour overnight flight back to the UK.
Wake up on home soil to familiar climes, with souvenirs in hand and stories ready to share.
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
